Torrey Olson

Big Picture Politics a New Experience for California Organic Grower

Torrey Olson was a high school math teacher until four years ago when his farmer wife persuaded him to take up the plow at Gabriel Farm in Sebastopol, California.

Diversity is the watchword at the 14-acre organic farm, with Asian pears, apples, persimmons, pineapple, guava and several varieties of berries in production. Olson says the diversity provides a unique learning experience for folks who come to the farm to pick fruit for their families.

“We have about 35 varieties of apples planted. So our apple crop is essentially structured so that it’s a nice place for people to come pick apples and learn about different varieties of apples and apple culture,” says Olson.

Diversity plays a role in the marketing plan at Gabriel Farm as well, which provides a bit of market insurance, says Olson.

Until his opportunity to participate in the Farmer Fly-in to Washington, D.C., in July, Olson had not dedicated much time to big picture politics. He says while he hopes his voice will make a difference in federal policy, he’s waiting to be convinced.

Still, he says, his meetings with his congressional representatives and staffers were good experiences.

“They really sat and listened to what we had to say and were very receptive and had feedback for us, which I thought was great,” says Olson.

Olson says he’s committed to organic agriculture because it helps create a safe and healthy environment for his family and for the wild animals living nearby.

“Organic really represents farming in a way that stewards the land—I guess you would say—in a way that is not toxic. I’m definitely opposed to doing things that are toxic,” he explains. He says he’s committed through farm practice and, if necessary, through political action to help ensure his organic farm and others remain viable into the future.